Monterey Bay

Things to Do In Monterey This Weekend: September 30-October 2, 2016

All Weekend

It's simply not fall until you have been to an Oktoberfest and Monterey's rendition is no joke. The Monterey County Fair & Event Center turns into a mini-Munich for the weekend with delicious mouth-watering German food and beers, fun-filled activities including Dachshund races, Ms. Oktoberfest contests and live music. Saturday from 12pm-7pm and Sunday from 12pm-6pm. 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. $20 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday.

It’s fall ya’ll! Celebrate the season at Carmel Valley Ranch’s Harvest Weekend. The three-day event is full of experiential activities for guests to indulge upon including guided vineyard walks, wine dinners and tickets to the Carmel Valley Wine Experience. Friday-Sunday. Call 831-626-2599 for pricing and more information.

Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” comes to the Outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel-by-the-Sea for the last show of the season. Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm. Mountain View & Santa Rita, Carmel. $20 for adults and $8 for children.

Friday

Join James Dean, Porsche and racecar fans as they retrace the icon’s last drive from Hollywood to the crash site in Cholame and continuing on to Salinas to finish the drive he started. The drive will culminate at the Salinas Airport where James Dean was headed to race. 30 Mortensen Ave, Salinas.

Unwind after the busy work week with a glass of wine, live music and an incredible views during “Sunset on the Deck” at Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove. Tonight’s featured artist is Fergus. 6:30pm. 800 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove. Free admission.

In need of a laugh? Head to the Golden State Theatre for a stand-up comedy show from SNL superstar Tracy Morgan. 8pm. 417 Alvarado Street, Monterey. $53-$86.

Saturday

Deck out your very own pumpkin vase today at The Farm. Each participant will create their own pumpkin masterpiece complete with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. 10am. Spreckles Boulevard West at Highway 68, Salinas. $15.

Pacific Grove celebrates its heritage today with the Butterfly Parade and Bazaar. At 10:30am decked out school kids march down Lighthouse Avenue ending at the Robert Down Elementary School for a Butterfly Bazaar celebrating the return of the Monarch Butterfly. 10:30am. Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove. Free event.

Immerse yourself in the season at the Carmel Valley Wine Experience Harvest Festival at Hidden Valley! The food and wine affair features an array of Carmel Valley's bounty including wine from local wineries, fare from local restaurants, live music, and winemaking demonstrations. 1pm-4pm. 88 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley. $85 in advance and $95 at the door.

Enjoy a rare wine tasting at Dawn's Dream this evening where they open up a variety of library wines and their 2011 trilogy. 4pm-6pm. NW Corner San Carlos & 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $25.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History isn't just for kids! Tonight they open their doors for an adults-only "Night Owl" event with insights into Oktoberfest’s heritage, home brew tastings and live music by David Holodiloff. 7pm-11pm. 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove. $20.

Party under the sea tonight at the Monterey Bay Aquarium! This ocean-healthy lifestyle celebration features more than 60 restaurants, wineries and breweries until 10pm before being transformed into an underwater nightclub with dancing and a cash bar. 7pm-11:30pm. 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. $125 for nonmembers.

Head to Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur tonight for a night of live music with Sara Melson. 10pm. 47200 Highway 1, Big Sur. Free event.

Author: Allyson Ryan

As the Content Marketing Manager at the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Allyson manages digital marketing and social media for SeeMonterey. If she's not taking scenic pictures around the county, you are likely to find her on the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail, sipping wine in Carmel Valley, or hiking in Big Sur.